I have known in my life on many occasions the shock of sudden death. As a professional at one point over a two month period ,I told families on six separate occasions that children under twenty five were killed in auto accidents. I have buried young adults who committed suicide, and witnessed the deaths of children from cancer, at their bedsides with their parents. None of those painful experiences are easily forgotten but the school killings in Connecticut are so overwhelming that all words are somewhat inadequate. We weep for all of those who died ,and the loved ones who today are engulfed in a vortex of pain that is beyond comprehension. Words cannot heal, and the only thing that I have experienced that helps is abiding presence that allows all of the emotions they will feel for years. Closure is a nice word but if it means complete healing than I have never seen or experienced it. Life for all concerned has been irrevocably changed, and standing by and with the loved ones is the role that never ends.